Jujutsu - A Japanese Martial Art

If you're wondering why the name of this page has got a slightly different name to what you're used to then let me explain.

The original term was a Japanese word written using Kanji characters. So when writing it in the Roman alphabet you need to choose the letters that most phoenetically represent the word.

This is called transliteration and there's many different systems for doing this such as Wade-Giles, Pinyin, etc. The reason for the different spellings of Ju Jutsu is due to the different use of systems.

For example Jiu Jitsu is common in Brazil as that was the predominant Roamanized spelling of the art form when it was first introduced to the country. In America the most common is Ju Jitsu but purists using the most accurate form use Ju Jutsu as this most closely resembles the spoken word.

• Jujutsu is a Japanese martial arts system that spawned a numbe rof other systems including:
  • Aikido
  • Judo
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Jujutsu encompasses both weapons and empty handed techniques.
• The most common weapons trained in Jujutsu are the katana (sword), rokushaku bo (bo staff), hanbo, naginata, etc.

Aikido
First developed by Morihei Ueshiba who first trained in the art of Dait%u014D-ry%u016B Aiki-j%u016Bjutsu. He combined his training in jujutsu with that of his core religious and philosophical beliefs to produce a style that was as concerned about the safety of the attacker as with oneself. Aikido has a more 'flowing' appearance with large arcs and great emphasis place don avoiding direct conflict with the opponent.

Judo
First developed by Jigoro Kano as an amalgamation of many different Jujutsu styles but with most influences coming from the style he was first taught in: Shin yo-ryu jujutsu. Judo is most often seen in its sporting events including the Olympics and international tournaments.

Brazilian Jujutsu
This was first made popular by the Gracie family in the early 1900's and was actually derived form judo teachings. Brought to Brazil by Misuyo Maeda who had trained with the founder of Judo (Kano). He helped to train members of the Gracie family in the art which ultimately culminated in the modern system it is today. Brazilian Jiujitsu is often heard in the MMA world as the foundation of many fighters repertoires.